FIQS Gastronomy which stands for Food, Innovation and Quality is an acronym that represents the foundation of which its Chef Patron, Syafiq is nurturing at his flagship restaurant. “The three pillars represent a part of my culinary life and they are my first name as well”, he smiled. Relating the story of how he fell in love with the kitchen when he started working at Impiana Hotel, it didn’t take him long to make up his mind to take the plunge into the culinary profession. “I told my dad that I wanted to be a chef”, he quipped. One thing led to another and Syafiq landed himself with an interning job at New York City under renowned Chef Jean-Georges which holds a three Michelin stars recognition. While he summed up the experience as both ‘paradise and nightmare’, he never thought of giving up. “The energy, the drive, the system of working, everything has to be perfect under the watchful eyes of the chef. I cried during my first two week working there. But I love cooking so much and I knew that a lot of people would want to be in my position”, he said. His tenacity was soon rewarded as he got the opportunity to work under James Bear Award Nominee Chef Jonathan Cambra for a year and half. “He actually opened my mind about using fresh ingredients to bring out the flavour of the food”, he explained.
With nine years of culinary experience, Syafiq who graduated from the prestigious culinary school of Johnson & Wales wants his customers to enjoy his food at a very casual environment. A firm believer in putting exquisite food on the table without being overpriced, FIQS Gastronomy menu falls within the wallet-friendly range. “There is nothing fine dining about FIQ Gastronomy, although our food presentation suggests otherwise”, he mentioned.
The outdoor section of the restaurant has a earthy theme with furnitures made from brown ageing wood. Inside, one would notice a stark contrast with its industrialised designed kitchen prominently occupying most of the floor space. “I used the French brigade system in my kitchen where there is only one man, one voice and one command. The chef will call out the tickets and everyone will be working at their respective station”, Syafiq explained.
Using a bold combination of carrot-miso emulsion as the dressing for the Fruit Salad (RM 15.00) certainly gave the dish a sophisticated flavour. The miso transformed the carrots into a wonderful sauce for the appetiser coupled with a combination of fruits, vegetables and toast to make it a healthy offering. “It sort of reminded me of my childhood days as the salad is very colourful”, he said.
The Salted Beef Fettuccine (RM 27.00) which was cooked with olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes, cilantro and parsley and a touch of salt gave the pasta a relatively light tasting flavour to compliment the stronger taste of the salted beef. Food presentation certainly deserved two thumbs up with the neatly twirled fettuccine resting gloriously on top of the beef.
FIQS Gastronomy certainly did not skimp on their sweet offerings. The Granita (RM 10.00) came nicely presented in a bottle filled with small crystal-like textured raspberry, whipped cream and mint. It was indeed fun and refreshing biting the small crispy, popping crystals in the mouth.
The Peanut Butter and Snickers Milk Shake (RM 15.00) was so sinfully delicious that one would just throw caution into the air and indulge in this calorie-laden beverage. “During the opening month, we have been drinking it everyday”, he laughed.
Syafiq also mentioned that there will be new offerings in the upcoming months. “There will be new dishes coming up soon”, he said. Using fresh ingredients, Syafiq aims to bring affordable quality food for everyone to enjoy in a casual way. “Essentially, I want people to eat my food and having conversation about it”, he said.
FIQS Gastronomy
No. 34 Jalan SS19/1D Subang Jaya
47500 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Tuesdays till Thursdays: 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Fridays: 3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Weekends: 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Phone: 03-5613 0473
Website: http://fiqsgastronomy.com